Kimberly Strankowski

We want to talk about our dear friend Kim Strankowski. Kim and my wife Julie met while working together as registered nurses at Sanford Southpointe clinic here in Fargo. It was there that Julie and Kim became friends. One of the bonds beyond nursing that Kim and Julie shared was the love of dogs. Kim had bought a new King Charles Cavalier Spaniel puppy, named Sadie. At work, Julie and Kim would watch Sadie remotely because Kim had a home camera and it could even dispense Sadie a treat. Julie and Kim would talk about Sadie and our previous dogs, and how fun, cute and loving dogs are.

When Kim’s health worsened, she was not able to care for Sadie. Kim sent Sadie back with her dog breeder during this time. Later when Kim health improved, Julie talked with Kim about Sadie and offered our help. Kim agreed this would be a good idea as she would know Sadie would be well taken care of. We agreed to care for Sadie with the understanding that Kim would come visit anytime and take Sadie whenever she wanted. Kim raised such a beautiful, sweet dog.

One of our favorite memories with Kim is when she would come to visit Sadie. When Sadie would see Kim she would immediately jump up in her lap and lick her face for 5 minutes or more until Kim decided it was enough. It was so awesome to watch and we all giggled and laughed about how cute it was. Kim would stay a long time and we had such wonderful visits and dinners together.

This past winter we visited Julie’s dad and our sister-in-law in Arizona, as well as our son and his family in Texas. We were gone for 2 weeks one time and for a one week the other. Julie asked Kim if she would want to stay at our house with Sadie while we were gone? Kim agreed. We are so glad that Kim was able to spend this much precious time with her beautiful Sadie girl. Both times when we returned from our trips Kim had meals prepared for us!

Despite her difficult diagnosis and health setbacks along the way, Kim marched forward in life passionately, positively, motivated and dedicated to contribute where she could.
She worked full-time as a nurse for too long given her situation. She loved working and contributing, she loved being around people, but ultimately her health situation just wouldn’t let her continue on that path. Kim was such a strong and positive person in spite of all that she was going through.

Kim, thank you for your friendship. We wish we’d had more time together. We will continue to take care of your precious Sadie girl! She is so special because you raised her! We love you, we miss you so much, and you will always hold a special place in our hearts!